The 17 most popular destinations for British expats

Fog covers the hills in the historical city centre of Perugia December 3, 2009.Reuters

There are five million British people currently living overseas and the bulk of them are in a lot sunnier climates.

While Spain is the considered one of the most popular destinations for British holiday makers and expats, new data from international shipping company Pack Send reveals that some of the top destinations are rather surprising.

But it's not just about job prospects and better weather.

The Pack Send data shows that a bulk of expats are moving to countries like Italy for retiring due to the pace of life and relatively low costs to live out your days in scenic splendour.

17. Portugal – 18,989 expats. Being only a two hour flight away from the UK and with much better weather, it's a no brainer why thousands of Brits would go to Portugal.

Participants talk after taking their first bath in the sea to celebrate the arrival of the New Year at Carcavelos beach on the outskirts of Lisbon January 1, 2009.Reuters

16. Japan – 20,812 expats. Japan may have some of the most expensive cities to live in the world, such as Tokyo and Osaka, but the boom and bust of various corporate industries has been a prime draw for expats over the years. However, according to the travel blog Expat Info Desk, Brits only account for a small slice of the two million expats in Japan due to the culture shock.

Fans of singer Paul McCartney stand outside the National Stadium after the cancellation of McCartney's concert in Tokyo May 18, 2014.Reuters

15. United Arab Emirates – 33,865 expats. Earning a usually high and tax-free salary, living in opulent surroundings and in the sun is a massive draw for heat-starved Brits. Jobs are usually a plenty, especially in finance and property in hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

A man walks past the entrance of Chocopologie, a chocolate cafe at Dubai Festival City.Reuters

14. Singapore – 45,000 expats. The island nation is a hub for expats around the world thanks to its high and safe standard of living, high job security, and its status as a gateway to other Asian countries.

Legoland Parks' Project Coordinator Stefan Bentivoglio of Germany makes fine adjustments to a lego model of Singapore's Fullerton hotel and Merlion during a media preview of Legoland Malaysia at Nusajaya, in the southern state of Johor, September 14, 2012.Reuters

13. Switzerland – 47,327 expats. The alpine country may not have the draw of the weather on its side but it houses some of the richest people in the world, is one of the safest places to live, and boasts a high employment rate. Skiing is optional.

Fans of Grasshopper Club (GC) sit in a jacuzzi and drink beer as they attend a Swiss Super League soccer match against FC St. Gallen in Zurich March 9, 2013.Reuters

12. Netherlands – 48,977 expats. As the sixth largest economy in the eurozone, it is also one of the best places to do business in the world (11th in fact, according to Forbes). The Dutch lifestyle is also a lot more relaxed and even came out as the healthiest country in the world to eat, according to Oxfam.

A man wearing wooden shoes stands before an ice-sailing boat on the frozen Gouwzee in Monickendam, the Netherlands.Reuters

11. Italy – 72,234 expats. Italy is a favourite amongst the old generation because you can retire on very little money. Plus, it has beautiful scenery, a more relaxed pace of life and some of the best food in the world.

Fog covers the hills in the historical city centre of Perugia December 3, 2009.Reuters

10. Channel Islands – 73,030 expats. Jersey and Guernsey are hubs for financial professionals due to its tax haven status. It's also close to the UK and has stunning surroundings.

The village of Gorey Harbour and Mont Orgueil castle are seen in Jersey.Reuters

9. Germany – 96,938 expats. With cheap property, low taxes, and high employment rates, Brits have started to look towards Germany for a new home.

Men in their traditional Bavarian clothing clink beer mugs after the Parade of Costumes and Riflemen (Trachten- und Schuetzenzug) on the second day of the 2014 Oktoberfest at Theresienhoehe on September 21, 2014 in Munich, GermanyAlexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

8. France – 172,806 expats. Easy access to and from the UK thanks to the Channel Tunnel has opened the gateway for Brits wanting to live here.

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7. Ireland – 253,605 expats. The country is incredibly easy to travel to and from in the UK and holds some of the most breathtaking views which were featured in the Game of Thrones TV series.

Tourism Ireland

6. South Africa – 305,660 expats. South Africa is a land of diverse culture, animals and adventure. It's also got incredible weather.

5. New Zealand – 313,850 expats. The country has a more relaxing way of life and is rich with mountains, lakes and places for excursions and sports.

Britain's Prince William (C) looks over the edge of a cliff as he and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, visit the Narrow Neck Lookout and observe abseiling by the Mountain Youth Services group in the Blue Mountains town of Katoomba, west of Sydney April 17, 2014.Reuters

4. Spain – 381,025 expats. Spain is still high on the list where Brits go for the cheap booze, sunny weather, and relatively easy integration into the culture.

Participants take part in the "Tomato Royale" event in Chicago, Illinois July 12, 2014.Reuters

3. Canada – 674,371 expats. Brits head to the world's second largest country for the great mix of snow and sun. It's super immigration friendly and boasts some of the best healthcare in the world.

A Mountie poses for a photo on Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa July 1, 2015.Reuters

2. US – 758,919 expats. The US, due to its size, has a near endless variety of lifestyle and job options across all states. However, many Brits end up moving back to Britain before they retire due to the expensive healthcare system and tax structures.

A man in a ballerina costume dances in Times Square during Halloween, in New York October 31, 2013.Reuters

1. Australia – 1,277,474 expats. With 21,000 miles worth of coastline, Australia is the number one choice for those who want to live near the beach. The country has only a population of 22 million and boasts plenty of space for a high standard of living and outdoor activities.